Millwall to overhaul youth system ahead of new season

MILLWALL have announced plans to overhaul the club's youth system which would see it upgraded to academy status.

If the investment goes ahead, the Lions, who currently operate a centre of excellence, will be classified as a Category Two club under the new Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP), due to be introduced across the Football League next season.

Manager Kenny Jackett told the club's official site: "The whole of youth football is being reorganised, and after a period operating with a centre of excellence we are now looking to be part of a revamped academy set-up.

"It would be a positive step for the club, and while there is still a long way to go, we have already had meetings with the Football League and FA and are committed to moving forward with it."

It was reported by the Southwark News on Thursday that the club's board is considering asking season ticket holders to contribute £25 each to fund the scheme.

And chief executive Andy Ambler confirmed he is looking at various ways to generate investment.

He said: "It will cost us some significant money, and various ways of funding the new youth set up are being discussed. Certainly the board will be investing, but we are looking at a variety of additional options.

"What we all accept is that this move would improve our chances of attracting, developing and bringing talented youngsters through into our first team, making us better equipped to compete with our rivals who may have greater resources to spend in the transfer market."